Good prop for hole shot

chljn1 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 9 City: Coronado

Hello I am new to these forums, but I have taken a huge interest in wakeboarding. I own a 2003 Glastron GX 185 SF. It is the Ski and Fish model, but I haven't used it much for fishing, more wakeboarding, tubing, and kneeboarding.

right now my Propeller on there is 14 1/4 x 23. I would like to lower the pitch on it down to 18 or 19, but for the 14 1/4 size, the only pitch I can find is 21. Does the 14 1/4 matter, can I go bigger, or does it have to be the same size. I guess overall I am not really sure what that size means. Any help would be appreciated, thanks

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

The 14 1/4" is going to be the overall diameter at the end of the blades. You could go bigger as long as you have clearance between the blades and the flat section of the outdrive right there.

I'd have a conversation with someone experienced in props or talk to someone that knows Glastron or your outdrive specifically.

You also might try looking at 4 blade and 5 blade models.

chljn1 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 9 City: Coronado

Thanks for the info on the prop. I will talk to my mechanic prior to ordering it, and figure out what will fit, thanks again for the help

pet575 · Posted: Jan 27, 2010 2:43 pm Post subject:

Okie Boarder has you headed the right direction. Get the largest diameter that clearance will allow, get at least 4 blades, and get a few numbers under 20 if at all possible.

JeffreyCH · Posted: Jan 27, 2010 3:32 pm Post subject:

Mercury High Five stainless steel prop in a 14 1/4 at an 18p, that's the best you can get for hole shot and holding a consistent speed. But plan on prying open the wallet they are expensive.

walb0244 · Outlaw Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 122 City: Terre Haute

Is there a big difference between a 4 blade and a 5 blade. Also, is there a big difference between SS and aluminum. I know price wise there is a big difference but am I going to be able to tell the difference for the extra 400 bucks?

pet575 · Posted: Jan 28, 2010 12:54 pm Post subject:

walb0244, stainless will flex less than aluminum and thus provide more power/holeshot. An 18p stainless will provide more holeshot/power than an 18p aluminum.

Whether you "need" that difference or are "going to be able to tell the difference" is personal preference, IMHO. Some guys claim to be able to notice 1-2 HP difference in motors, while others don't notice 10 extra HP. Can't answer that question for you, but I will say I've never heard anyone say that a High-5 was a waste of money.

chljn1 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 9 City: Coronado

I will look into the 4 and 5 blades, that was going to be my next question, but I think you guys answered it. are all the 4 and 5 blades a lot more expensive than the 3, or is it just a matter of SS or aluminum

pet575 · Posted: Jan 29, 2010 1:45 pm Post subject:

Both, but SS will always run more than aluminum if buying new.

SS3 > AL3; SS4 > AL4; High 5 > AL5 (can you even buy an aluminum 5 blade?)

BUT, AL4 *MIGHT* be > SS3

walb0244 · Outlaw Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 122 City: Terre Haute

chljn1 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 9 City: Coronado

I found a 4 blade aluminum prop 14.50 x 17 pitch. Is the 17 to low to go, or would that still be okay without running my RPM's to high to stay at a steady 20-25 mph

pet575 · Posted: Feb 02, 2010 1:35 pm Post subject:

What motor is in it?

chljn1 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 9 City: Coronado

Brand new Volvo Penta 4.3GL with the Volvo Penta SX sterndrive

Brand new, because the old one got water in through the bellows and needed to be replaced.

chljn1 · Newbie Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 9 City: Coronado

Went with the 3 blade 14.50x19 for the Prop, the 4 blade SS was a little out of my price range. Thanks everybody for the help